Any amateur or intermediate BBQ smoker in the UK right now would love to advance to pitmaster. For them to achieve this honoured position, they would need to make use of the best charcoal smokers and tools available right now.
It is easy to imagine the adrenaline that rushes through your veins at the mere thought of being awarded this title, which is possible as long as you know how to manage a good old BBQ and handle your tools correctly.
Common, let’s face it, there is certain magic surrounding all in attendance of such a great event where the charcoal smoker is being fired up. Some would put it down to the mere interactive spirit we all have and the added bonus that one of the best charcoal smokers were used to carry out a smoking hot BBQ session successfully.
It would be a real pity to let the opportunity to learn what makes one charcoal smoker in the UK better than another pass us by. Without a shadow of a doubt, it will require an in-depth search to bring to light all there is to know about a given brand so everyone who is reading this can make a sound judgment regarding which brand will rise as the victor.
Allow us to guide you along as we unravel the mystery surrounding the best charcoal smokers to date in the UK currently.
It's been said that the Weber Smokey Mountain holds the record of being the best all around charcoal smoker.
This is not something that happened by chance. Through the years, Weber continuously tweaked and made the necessary improvements to ensure their smokers became a hit with both amateur and pro pitmasters.
How did they manage to obtain such success? It comes down to state-of-the-art construction and keeping costs low so people not only found it easy to afford but could purchase extra goodies to ensure any BBQ event turned into a resounding success.
The short term they use for this smoker is simply - WSM (Weber Smokey Mountain).
The mere fact that the WSM can maintain a steady temperature for a while and its compactness, are among the reasons how Weber gained popularity the way they did.
The Smokey Mountain consists of three sections, namely:
Any product sold around the world will attract either likes and dislikes. Some would say what they love about one brand while others will state their disappointment without moping too much about it.
Other than this, all is good with the Weber Smoky Mountain.
Some of you may have a gripe with regards to the size, but there are numerous ways to solve the problem and fit a lot of food inside. Rib racks turn out to be a good investment as you can fit more food in one smoke session.
Overall, the WSM is very reliable and an easy to use charcoal smoker that would easily produce an outstanding BBQ experience regardless of whether you are an amateur or a seasoned pitmaster.
Some guys love trying their hand building their own drum smoker. It can be an exciting, yet useful option. But, not everybody has the tools and know-how to put something like this together without one or the other hiccup rearing its head once the time comes to try it out.
All is not lost though. What if you get your hands on a DrumGrill that presents one with a similarly low budget concept while the charcoal grill looks really funky?
Once you set it up, the time is right to light the fire and have yourself a one-of-a-kind BBQ experience.
The steel drum and lid of the DrumGrill can handle severe temperatures while the cooler external creates a sufficient amount of condensation to ensure enough moisture. The cylindrical shape does a great job to allow convection heat to flow evenly throughout the cooker.
The DrumGrill will exceed your expectations by a big margin as the entire barrel consists of highly resistant steel that is super easy to use with hardly any assembly requirements. Perfect for anyone.
One of the best features of the DrumGrill is that you do not need customization.
There is an entire guide dedicated to what BBQ professionals would consider the best kamado grills. These make for excellent charcoal smokers. While most of these garnered a bit of a reputation for being mass-produced, and some brands are classed as cheap grills that are challenging to cook with. The Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grills seem to hit the sweet spot in terms of value given and cost.
The way the manufacturers cut costs so these grillers are more within your reach, price-wise, have a lot to do with replacing the standard heavy-duty ceramic with something that is way lighter and insulated with 22 gauge steel.
The exteriors of these charcoal grill units are finished in powder-coated steel, while the interior consists of porcelain-coated steel.
With the Chefood you get a sizable cooking area that consists of 138 square inches. The even heating surface is a great plus for wannabe BBQers as it offers incredible insulation that will serve your purpose perfectly during winter or colder seasons.
For not much more than you’ll pay for a WSM, the Akorn Kamado Charcoal Grill proves itself an extremely versatile grill, smoker and oven combination.
You might be surprised, but a standard Weber Kettle can become an excellent smoker with a few magic tips.
You should still consider purchasing a dedicated smoker if your primary aim is smoking. But, maybe you are smoking meat and you’re not sure if it’s worth investing several dollars to find that you may not like it.
Or perhaps you want a grill that can be doubled periodically as a smoker.
The classic Weber kettle is your best option. Thanks to the good value for money it gives you a fantastic grill of one of the best brands in barbecuing, we have named this one of the best charcoal grills around.
What People dislike about the Weber Original Kettle Premium
The other big benefit of the Weber Kettle is that it can be programmed in various ways. It can be set up to cook 2 areas with the addition of a cheap aluminium pot.
This basket of stainless steel clips onto your weber as its name suggests and transforms it into an effective water smoker.
You can also purchase accessories which transform your Weber into a Pizza oven.
A dedicated smoker like Smokey Mountain achieves a high degree of quality that the weber kettle cannot achieve. But it's going to get you close.
It's a good choice if you want a bit of flexibility without spending extra on a dedicated smoker.
The Landmann Smoker Tennessee is also a direct grill, with the left section a 'firebox' to keep your charcoal hot, to keep the fuel up in the main chamber, it is a very good system. It is the most advanced barbecue in the world and the fresh air is filled with your wood and charcoal.
Offset smokers, typically known as stick burners or ooze old school smokers and are where most people start when on the lookout for a good quality smoker.
Most pitmasters agree that wood should still form the basis of your fire, while smoke wood regularly added for its aroma is commonly perceived to be a primary fuel source for these smokers.
One thing about this smoker that is remarkable is that cooks quite well when you have it in a very sheltered place. Unfortunately, the gaps are so widespread around the edge that any wind throws your thermometer right away.
As it is not an inverted smoker, one end is hot and the other cooler so it will only do 2 slides of ribs very realistically without moving them through the cooker.
This helps you to cook much more evenly. You can save money and obtain the conventional design where the fireplace is on the far side.
What people like about it
What people do not like
The Char-Broil Bullet Smoker is a durable, used anywhere top quality charcoal smoker that gives you the highest quality smoking capability when you are looking for a browning and seasoned charcoal grill for a backyard cookout.
Char-Broil started charcoal smokers in the United States. Char-Broil grills, smokers, fryers etc. are inexpensive and have no mess outside.
The Bullet Smoker has a robust steel design and features a shaped door. The stylish matt steel finish will make any seasoned smoker very proud. It makes the meat juicy and appetizing to enjoy a well-cooked meal.
Char Broil Bullet Smoker is durable and long-lasting for an affordable price. Due to the big space, a large quantity of food can be smoked immediately. The cooking temperature with a lid thermometer is easily controlled and the advanced five-tier air control system provides excellent performance.
This smoker is easy to clean and rustproof since it is a porcelain-coated steel frame.
In a removable ash bowl, the ash is stored. Beef, veal, seafood, lamb, pork, steak, and veggies can easily be cooked.
The bullet smoker will make an excellent choice even when you're a barbeque newbie. Let's look at its characteristics quickly.
What the users like about the Char Broil Bullet Smoker
They get to enjoy a mess-free BBQ experience
It is extremely easy to assemble and user-friendly. One can look forward to accurate readings thanks to the thermometer that is embedded in the lid.
The smoker is lightweight enough so one may carry it and place it elsewhere without too much effort involved.
What is great is that the entire unit is very compact and strong. Consumers are satisfied with the porcelain gates and the functioning access door. It is best to fill the unit using charcoal as it releases a lovely and soothing flavour.
The rust resistance and the fact that it is easy to wash makes this a worthy investment for any BBQ enthusiast.
It is large enough so you can cook a turkey in the unit.
Wood can be used in lieu of charcoal.
What people do not like
It can only be used as a smoker and will not do as a regular grill.
How Worthy are Char Broil Bullet Smokers to BBQ Fans?
They find value in the highly durable product that is of a superior quality to ensure a great cooking experience.
The temperature is easy to monitor and remains constant most of the time.
Overall, the Char-broil Bullet Smoker is revered for its ability to offer its users a distinct smoky and authentic taste. Moreover, the unit does not require much maintenance and the porcelain coated smoker is corrosion resistant.
The Char Broil Bullet Smoker is versatile and great for cooking beef, chicken, veal, lamb, seafood, and even veggies.
Surely any avid Charcoal Smoker fan wants to experience the best outdoor cooking experience while simultaneously enhancing their living space, where the primary focus would rest on purpose and functionality.
The BillyOh Kentucky Smoker will give you that as it proves to be one of the best ways to pass your evenings, having a stunning BBQ with your family and friends.
The best part is that you are sitting in the UK doing things the American way in that you will be preparing a feast of all with a delicious smoky barbecue that resembles an authentic all American flavour.
Recipients of this smoker are thoroughly impressed with the clear cut instructions where attention to detail is given to all the parts used to have it assembled in no time at all. Just be sure to add a bit of heat resistant seal while you are at it, and you will be good to go.
What you will like about the BillyOh Smoker
You get to enjoy cooking up a mean BBQ smoked meal for your whole family
Control the smoke as the unit features a vented chimney
Enough space as it boasts a large cooking area that will satisfy some huge appetites
Easy way to refill with charcoal thanks to the user-friendly front access door
The built-in temperature gauge ensures exceptional cooking results every time
The two large side tables allow enough space for an array of spices and other accessories to make your cooking experience a joyous one. This is the area where cooks love to stack their meats and drinks while they’re busy cooking
Utensil hooks and the versatility of the robust wheels prove to be really handy during times of cooking and should the need arise to move the unit elsewhere.
The front crank of the Kentucky smoker lets you adjust the height of your grill to ensure you gain more control of the smoker.
What people dislike about the BillyOh Kentucky Smoker
It might take a long time to assemble all the parts as you unbox it.
As a whole, users will experience fantastic cooking results. This is due to the easy control the user will have over this smoker thanks to the built-in temperature gauge so there is no need to guess as to what the end result might be.
The vented chimney allows one to control the smoke levels when busy cooking and aid the pitmaster to achieve a perfect tasting meal every time. Additional features such as the warming rack is a nice addition as users can simply keep cooked items hot while waiting for the rest of the food to finish cooking. One can even toast buns or other side dishes over here.
Made from high-density carbon steel and a high-quality powder coating, this Premium Charcoal Smoker will ensure an amazing cooking experience regardless if you are still new to the whole BBQ way of doing things or a seasoned professional.
Couple this with the functional smoker bottom bowl and robust supporting feet and you have yourself a winner that will make you look like an expert smoker.
Accurately identify the ideal cooking temperature at any given point as the built-in thermometer will help you gauge the right heat. Top that with four adjustable air vents, seated in the base area as well as the two vents situated in the smoker lid, and it is clear to see why pitmasters find it easy cooking up a meal everyone loves.
No need to be concerned as to how you will gain access to the charcoal and water pans as the hinged door on the front end ensures easy access whenever there is a need to top up. This feature is particularly useful if you have a long smoking time ahead of you, allowing for effortless topping up to help retain the right smoke levels.
Besides, the charcoal pan is sufficiently ventilated to ensure a smooth and even heat distribution. The smoking rack features up to 6 hooks to allow top quality smoking of ribs, fish, sausages, chicken, or any other meat you want to smoke.
The simple structure makes it super easy to use the Premium Charcoal Smoker. Once all is said and done, you simply clip the lid closed using the heat resistant handles, wait until the smoker cooled down, before you cover it with the weatherproof cover that will keep it protected until next time.
What is there to like about the Premium Charcoal Smoker
The quality powder coating serves to protect the exteriors of this BBQ for years to come
The 5 Liter capacity water pan ensures an extra-long cooking session that easily lasts up to 3 hours
Ventilated charcoal pan is large enough to allow for smoking time that will carry on for up to 6 hours
Top-quality built-in thermometer allows for sufficient temperature control at all times
All-inclusive weatherproof cover, two cooking grates, 6 hooks, and smoking rack let users enjoy a well-deserved cooking experience.
Superb design at an affordable price range
A good amount of space in that you get two racks to smoke a variety of meat
Dislikes
Instructions not all that great as some parts are not referenced properly
One thing that can be said about this smoker is that you can also cook normal meats on the two racks you’re provided with. All you really need is to add some wood chips on your coals for added flavour. Ideal for use in summer.
All in all, this smoker is the bomb when it comes to catering for the needs of a beginner meat smoker. What is really cool is its ability to keep temperatures fairly constant. The bottom line is that it does a great job for entry-level smoking. You can always upgrade to a pro-level as time goes by.
Barbecuing is not just a trend in the UK, but a worldwide phenomenon that people cannot seem to get enough of. In this regard, the Tepro Biloxi smoker proves to be a real eye-catcher that turns out exciting dishes. It might be seen as a small Western style smoking unit, but it delivers a variety of cooking possibilities like no other.
The magic happens once the lower-lying smoking chamber welcomes the buildup of the right type of smoke from a wood fire.
When it rises, it goes into the cooking area where it is drawn in by the chimney. Your food is cooked at low temperatures of between 80 ° C and 130 ° C and will become slowly and smokefully perfect.
You can easily monitor the cooking temperature via the built-in thermometer. On all sides smoked food cooks evenly, maintaining the juicy coherence. Try various wood types for exciting and new flavours.
The flavour intensity of smoke can be controlled with comfortable ventilation. To produce deliciously smoked food results you don't have to be an expert! The food can not burn and hardly has to be turned because of the low cooking temperature.
You can also use an indirect method to grill food in the cooking area where the food is located in an indoor spot, not directly above the flame in addition to smoking. This is the Biloxi BBQ Smokers barbecue system for gourmets and it is simple to use.
The smoker does not leave anything to be desired, whether you host a traditional barbecue or want to cook exciting smoked dishes. The grill can be easily installed right in your garden or patio wherever you need it.
Enjoy the rustic flavour of Biloxy BBQ Smoker with your family and friends!
What we like about the Tepro BBQ Smoker
If you are looking for the ultimate smoking experience, check out the Tepro BBQ Smoker. This is 154,55 kg with 5-mm thick stainless steel doors to ensure that there is nothing left by 2 smoking chambers or the wide side chamber of 48 cm. Each door has a thermometer that can be used for independent management of the cooking areas.
The 58 by 40cm grill surface offers more than enough space for cooking your food. The side chamber includes a grill gate too to accommodate extra cooking space.
Heat resistant up to a maximum of 350 degrees Celsius
Dislikes
This proves to be a decent entry-level product, which is excellent for an inexpensive way to enjoy the pleasures of outdoor and smoking cooking.
What is really wonderful about using this particular grill is the ability to cook, grill, and smoke without worrying about high temperatures. One thing is for sure, this smoker is a practical two-chamber smoker with sturdy wheels to make it very easy to move around and make use of the shelf offered.
For a simple temperature monitoring, a thermometer is embedded and you can adjust the temperature swiftly with side vents.
This BBQ is pretty hard to install. However, it is a good budget purchase for beginners in general. See some of the other top things on our list for more extreme smokers.
What is there to like about the TecTake
Dislikes
Overall, it is worth the money you pay for it.
Think about it for a moment. Ever since the beginning of time, people loved tinkering with fire. Even though igniting gas or sticking some fire into the front door access area of your smoker is not quite the same as lighting up a fresh pile of wood out in the wild, it is still magical and creates a sense of pride.
For some individuals, the mere thought of having to set up and manage a pit of fire whether out in the open or within a contained area such as a smoker may appear like one of their worst nightmares.
Look! There is absolutely nothing wrong in wanting a smoker that you can just set and forget, which is possible if you opt for an electric smoker. But, there is something about charcoal smoking units that cannot be beaten by other ways of achieving the same effects.
You see, the thing is that charcoal gives a flavour that is not easy to replicate. On the flip side, most of you might be aware of the fact that using charcoal produces way more smoke than gas. However, it offers a broader range of super tasty flavours.
Should you use your BBQ smoker for longer periods, and you do not mind slow smoke roasting, then you are in for a treat as you will soon notice a delightful difference in flavour. Propane grills just do not cut it and the flavour produced is way milder.
As usual, let us begin with the benefits associated with using charcoal smokers as opposed to any other type of smoker.
Charcoal smokers are usually less expensive (though incredibly costly models exist).
But charcoal is not the cheapest burning fuel around.
Take into account when weighing up how often to smoke, what your projected cost is and where to get your charcoal or smoking wood.
However, remember, charcoal will cost more than gas or electricity year after year.
This is one question that we guess will cross most people’s minds. The best way to answer is to note the differences between smoking and grilling.
Smoking is smoke dependent and how your food is cooked with low indirect heat. Because your food is at a lower temperature, food usually takes hours to cook.
There are many reasons why smoking your food is looked favourably upon:
Grilling, on the other hand, is more about directing heat over a shorter period. While smoking is mostly about using low heat for longer periods of time, grilling is the opposite of that. If you get it right, the meat you just grilled will be perfectly juicy and tender on the inside. The outside will most likely be crispier and darker.
As you would have noticed, grilling is not just turning up the heat and hoping everything will go as planned. One would need to incorporate techniques such as reverse sear where the meat will taste scrumptious but will not be burnt.
You would set up the grill in such a manner to ensure the heat source comes in directly from underneath the food, letting the food cook directly. In the case of charcoal grilling, there will be a charcoal bed inside the BBQ unit.
It is best to run through a couple of factors so you may gain a proper understanding of the right type of smoker for you.
It is a good idea to decide what you are going to spend before buying a smoker. It's easy to buy a smoker packed with features, but it will just mean you go over budget.
You may not need all of the extra features , especially if it's your first smoker or you don't regularly use a smoker. At a very affordable price, you can acquire a decent, basic charcoal smoker.
Do not forget that the smoker's running costs should be taken into account. For example, charcoal is the most expensive fuel that you can burn. Then remember how much the smoker will cost you to keep it running over a year.
The bigger the better isn't always the right course of action to take. It will be a real pain, not to mention waste of time and money to light a massive smoker just so you can cook two chicken breasts, if you rarely, if ever, cook for a huge group of people.
Smokers are available in a variety of sizes so you can pick the right size for yourself.
Think about the average number of people you cook for and buy a unit with this capacity. Most companies give you the size of the smoker in inches while others will also name the amount of burger patties you can cook, which is way more realistic to grasp.
It depends if you intend to mainly use your equipment for smoking or grilling purposes. Many of the top BBQ smokers are meant for smoking only while others will serve a multiple purpose and can be used for grilling as well.
Also, be prepared to pay more for something more versatile. However, if you love grilling as much as smoking your meats, then it makes sense to invest the money in a more expensive model.
Portability is the name of the game if you regularly do your rounds. The bigger your smoker, the less likely you will make time to pack it for your camping trip.
This being said, charcoal smokers are often feasible for camping purposes as you do not need power supply, and neither do you need to lug a gas bottle.
Heavy barbecue types like kamados are hard to move in your own yard from spot to spot – let alone when you find yourself on a camping trip.
If you're a passionate outdoor person, you can even opt for a second smaller smoker.
Although a known brand might not be a promise of good quality for the items you buy, it still deserves understanding of the brands and the reputation they have.
When you find a smoker brand you never heard of, it takes time to explore what sort of customer service (if any) they provide and learn a little bit about the product and the quality of workmanship that you might expect.
Barbecue and online review forums are an excellent place to find this type of information.
It will last for a long time if you maintain your smoker properly. Maintenance shouldn't take too long or be tricky. Coherence is truly key for ensuring the duration of your smoker.
Let us summarize some key maintenance points to help prolong the life of your smoker.
Ashes that you leave in your smoker will soon become damp and lead to rusting issues if you are not careful. It is imperative that you take care of these duties before doing anything else.
The grease left on the grates will soon go rancid, making it bad for your health. Similarly, charcoal will rub off onto you from the food and give you a bitter taste.
Therefore, regardless of how you look at it, filthy, crusty grates won't yield good results.
After you have finished cooking, you can clean your grates by letting the coal burn off and smoking away any leftover food left on the grates.
You may just forget that you had the vents open or you attempted to save the charcoal. In this case, you can simply shut your fire off once the food is done and tackle any cleaning before your next cooking session.
The best way to pull this off is to crank the fire of your newly bought smoker or grill at least 15 minutes beforehand and allow the remaining grease to smoke for awhile until it fades away, so you can scrub or scrape the grates.
Ensure you wipe the grates down using a damp cloth straight after you made use of a wire brush. Inspect the cooking surface to ensure no wire bristles are left behind on the grates as you do not want any to be lodged in a vital organ of yours.
It's time to act when the interior of your cooking chamber builds up numerous layers that coils up and goes into your food.
Even better, regularly cleaning the inside of your cooking surface will prevent you from undertaking industrial cleanups.
You might hack loose bits with a plastic putty knife when the smoker is cool and you only need to carry out some lighter cleaning duties. It is easy to make use of a vacuum to suck the flaking bits.
If you find you have to clean some more, make use of a wire brush or steel wool and a bit of dishwashing liquid, a bucket, gloves, soft towels, and a hose.
Rely on your instincts and scrub your way to achieving a clean cooking area within your smoker.
Just be aware that this work may get a little messy. It is best you make use of drop sheets or tarpaulin if you intend smoking in the driveway.
There is a good reason why charcoal smokers are sought after by barbecue enthusiasts. Although you can argue about the extent to which charcoal gives the meat the right taste, there is no doubt that this cooking method leads to better smoke ring and bark as well as a unique smoke aroma that other styles are struggling to replicate.
Due to the relatively simple way these smokers work, you can acquire a very well-stocked smoker for less than 300 dollars. Contrary to pellet smokers, where a lot of resources go into the development of components and software, charcoal works best for well-designed smokers, with quality components that keep temperatures constant so the smoker can last for several years.
As a final thought. Before you start to stress about how you’re going to control the temperature of your smoker, you will be just fine if you set it correctly. It is a case of knowing whether you will cook low and slow, then make use of the minion method or another variation
Also, be sure to line your firebox with a sufficient supply of charcoal before you fire up a small number of the briquettes. Allow the ash to simmer for 15 minutes before you spread it over the unlit coals. This way you will achieve the best smoking results.
If the idea of tweaking air valves does not take your fancy, then you need to consider getting yourself one of the best charcoal smokers in the UK.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API